This stylish family of four came to us yearning for added functionality with flair. The couple recently updated other areas of the home on their own quite beautifully, but realized they needed the help of professionals when it came to the kitchen and mudroom. The new kitchen plan enlarged the island with additional seating, eliminated soffits for extra storage and an updated look, and swapped out the desk for a message center with a hidden charging/drop area. A cozy banquette was designed for the eat-in area of the kitchen. Drawers below the bench add storage to this gathering spot. Aesthetic elements with a soft industrial feel to compliment the new interiors were desired. Beautiful island detailing with tall brackets, panels and base molding in a lovely grey paint in contrast to the white perimeter create a focal point for the space. The homeowner sourced a fun light fixture to top off the island. This along with a stainless chimney hood and appliances add to the overall industrial appeal. Grey cabinetry in the mudroom flows with the kitchen while adding cubbies and a bench with lockers above. A cabinetry surround for the washer and dryer integrates the built-ins in a space that works hard while looking pretty.

Peg and Randy had a wonderful experience working with APlus and were impressed with the incredible workmanship that went into the remodel. They started their journey looking at their options with stock cabinets and came to realize it wasn’t the best choice for them. A friend that was very happy with the remodel being completed at her home by APlus recommended they call to set up an appointment to meet with a designer. They met with Alex and loved his design ideas so they decided to hire APlus to remodel their kitchen. Peg and Randy were very pleased with the cost and were very surprised to find that a custom kitchen was well within their budget. When guest ask them how they came up with the design concept of the kitchen they praise Alex for coming up with such a gorgeous design. Many changes were made in the kitchen such as adding wonderful high end appliances and hiding the microwave from view. Prior to remodeling their kitchen they had such limited storage space in the kitchen that they resorted to using their garage to store items. This Lake Forest couple now has an amazing amount of hidden storage space with plenty of new space to spare. Now when they step into their kitchen they are in awe and disbelief that they finally have the kitchen of their dreams.

This project is a good example of what can be done with a little refresh. Sometimes parts of your space work well and parts don’t, so a full gut and replace might not make sense. That was the case here. After living with it for a decade or so realized they would really prefer two sinks in the vanity. Since there were two windows in the bathroom, we decided to eliminate the window to the left of the current vanity and replace with it with a longer run of cabinets. The other window is to the right of the vanity let’s in beautiful morning light. The window we removed was a northern exposure and its location under an eave didn’t allow for much light, so it was the perfect solution! In addition to the new vanity, we also changed out the countertop, added new mirrors and lighting, and changed out the tile floor to a larger hex with fewer grout lines. This adds a brighter more modern look while still maintaining the vintage feel of the room. The shower was in great shape, so we left that as is except for swapping out the shower floor tile to match the main floor and adding a more updated decorative mosaic tile. We added a new toilet and for a bit of luxury a heated towel bar. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com Project Year: 2020

Today, almost any activity you enjoy inside your home you can bring to the outside. Depending on your budget, your outdoor room can be simple, with a stamped concrete patio, a grill and a table for dining, or more elaborate with a fully functional outdoor kitchen complete with concrete countertops for preparing and serving food, a sink and a refrigerator. You can take the concept even further by adding such amenities as a concrete pizza oven, a fireplace or fire-pit, a concrete bar-top for serving cocktails, an architectural concrete fountain, landscape lighting and concrete statuary. Cooking Something to cook with, such as a barbecue grill or wood-fired pizza oven, and countertops for food preparation and serving are key elements in a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Concrete countertops offer the advantages of weather resistance and versatility, since they can be formed into any shape you desire to suit the space. A coat of sealer will simplify cleanup by protecting your countertop from stains. Other amenities, such as concrete bar-tops and outdoor sinks with plumbing, can expand your entertainment options. Hearth Wood-burning or gas fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas and portable patio heaters extend the enjoyment of outdoor living well into the evening while creating a cozy conversation area for people to gather around. Perhaps you have realized there is more to life than work and gathering around a TV at the end of the day. A custom-built, outdoor living area allows you to entertain friends, spend time with your family or just unwind after a long day. Our customers all agree, a custom built outdoor living area brings people together. With the addition of a patio cover or pergola, your backyard and landscape can be transformed into a scenic extension of your residence or even a luxurious entertainment area. Our services have made possible the creation of outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, shady playgrounds, spas, arts studios, reading havens and living rooms. Greg Perger

A modern dining area features an "opening-closing" louvered patio cover w/ outdoor kitchen, raised planters, and accent lighting.
Example of a small minimalist backyard concrete patio kitchen design in Los Angeles with a gazebo

Peg and Randy had a wonderful experience working with APlus and were impressed with the incredible workmanship that went into the remodel. They started their journey looking at their options with stock cabinets and came to realize it wasn’t the best choice for them. A friend that was very happy with the remodel being completed at her home by APlus recommended they call to set up an appointment to meet with a designer. They met with Alex and loved his design ideas so they decided to hire APlus to remodel their kitchen. Peg and Randy were very pleased with the cost and were very surprised to find that a custom kitchen was well within their budget. When guest ask them how they came up with the design concept of the kitchen they praise Alex for coming up with such a gorgeous design. Many changes were made in the kitchen such as adding wonderful high end appliances and hiding the microwave from view. Prior to remodeling their kitchen they had such limited storage space in the kitchen that they resorted to using their garage to store items. This Lake Forest couple now has an amazing amount of hidden storage space with plenty of new space to spare. Now when they step into their kitchen they are in awe and disbelief that they finally have the kitchen of their dreams. http://www.apluskitchen.com/Orange-County-Lake-Forest-Complete-Kitchen-Remodel-Project76.html

With a little bit of love, you can transform your kitchen into a space you love to spend time in! Many people are so used to their surroundings that we don’t realize what a little bit of paint and new finishes can do to change a room. That’s exactly the case of this kitchen. Actually, the cabinetry was already refinished prior to us coming into the picture, our clients couldn’t wait! So, we had the opportunity to incorporate those finishing touches to really seal the deal of this space. Today, this kitchen is up-to-date and classic. It really will stand the test of time! To learn more about this space, continue reading below: Cabinets The cabinetry was already refinished prior to us doing our magic. But we love how the crisp and clean finishes of the cabinetry pairs so well with the new finishes and materials we incorporated. To elevate the cabinetry, we embellished the doors and drawers with 5 inch “Emerald” hardware from Top Knobs (TK288BSN). Countertops At first glance, you may have noticed we incorporated beautiful marble countertops to this space. So, what if we told you those countertops are not made of marble? Actually, not even close! These countertops are a beautiful 3cm Cambria quartz in the finish “Ironsbridge”. The specs of grey and veining in the countertops might have fooled you! We love the way it looks in this space. Backsplash Subway tiles have been around a long time. Still, we love the classic look of subway tile and our clients are always requesting it! A simple way to add interested to subway tile is to utilize tile with beveling, create a contrasting pattern, and add contrasting grout color, as we have done here. Here we have utilized a 3×6 Daltile Rittenhouse Square with beveled edges as the main tile. Then, over the range, we have framed the tile and changed the pattern to herringbone to add some pop! Fixtures The fixtures of this space are classically styled as well. From Blanco, we have the main sink in a Precis Super Single Bowl in White paired with an Atura kitchen faucet with pull-down spray in stainless steel. Then on the island, we have a Precis Medium Bowl in White and an Atura Pulldown bar faucet in stainless steel, also from Blanco.

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

This stylish family of four came to us yearning for added functionality with flair. The couple recently updated other areas of the home on their own quite beautifully, but realized they needed the help of professionals when it came to the kitchen and mudroom. The new kitchen plan enlarged the island with additional seating, eliminated soffits for extra storage and an updated look, and swapped out the desk for a message center with a hidden charging/drop area. A cozy banquette was designed for the eat-in area of the kitchen. Drawers below the bench add storage to this gathering spot. Aesthetic elements with a soft industrial feel to compliment the new interiors were desired. Beautiful island detailing with tall brackets, panels and base molding in a lovely grey paint in contrast to the white perimeter create a focal point for the space. The homeowner sourced a fun light fixture to top off the island. This along with a stainless chimney hood and appliances add to the overall industrial appeal. Grey cabinetry in the mudroom flows with the kitchen while adding cubbies and a bench with lockers above. A cabinetry surround for the washer and dryer integrates the built-ins in a space that works hard while looking pretty.

This project is a good example of what can be done with a little refresh. Sometimes parts of your space work well and parts don’t, so a full gut and replace might not make sense. That was the case here. After living with it for a decade or so realized they would really prefer two sinks in the vanity. Since there were two windows in the bathroom, we decided to eliminate the window to the left of the current vanity and replace with it with a longer run of cabinets. The other window is to the right of the vanity let’s in beautiful morning light. The window we removed was a northern exposure and its location under an eave didn’t allow for much light, so it was the perfect solution! In addition to the new vanity, we also changed out the countertop, added new mirrors and lighting, and changed out the tile floor to a larger hex with fewer grout lines. This adds a brighter more modern look while still maintaining the vintage feel of the room. The shower was in great shape, so we left that as is except for swapping out the shower floor tile to match the main floor and adding a more updated decorative mosaic tile. We added a new toilet and for a bit of luxury a heated towel bar. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com Project Year: 2020

Inspiration for a transitional bathroom remodel in Orange County

Peg and Randy had a wonderful experience working with APlus and were impressed with the incredible workmanship that went into the remodel. They started their journey looking at their options with stock cabinets and came to realize it wasn’t the best choice for them. A friend that was very happy with the remodel being completed at her home by APlus recommended they call to set up an appointment to meet with a designer. They met with Alex and loved his design ideas so they decided to hire APlus to remodel their kitchen. Peg and Randy were very pleased with the cost and were very surprised to find that a custom kitchen was well within their budget. When guest ask them how they came up with the design concept of the kitchen they praise Alex for coming up with such a gorgeous design. Many changes were made in the kitchen such as adding wonderful high end appliances and hiding the microwave from view. Prior to remodeling their kitchen they had such limited storage space in the kitchen that they resorted to using their garage to store items. This Lake Forest couple now has an amazing amount of hidden storage space with plenty of new space to spare. Now when they step into their kitchen they are in awe and disbelief that they finally have the kitchen of their dreams. http://www.apluskitchen.com/Orange-County-Lake-Forest-Complete-Kitchen-Remodel-Project76.html

Peg and Randy had a wonderful experience working with APlus and were impressed with the incredible workmanship that went into the remodel. They started their journey looking at their options with stock cabinets and came to realize it wasn’t the best choice for them. A friend that was very happy with the remodel being completed at her home by APlus recommended they call to set up an appointment to meet with a designer. They met with Alex and loved his design ideas so they decided to hire APlus to remodel their kitchen. Peg and Randy were very pleased with the cost and were very surprised to find that a custom kitchen was well within their budget. When guest ask them how they came up with the design concept of the kitchen they praise Alex for coming up with such a gorgeous design. Many changes were made in the kitchen such as adding wonderful high end appliances and hiding the microwave from view. Prior to remodeling their kitchen they had such limited storage space in the kitchen that they resorted to using their garage to store items. This Lake Forest couple now has an amazing amount of hidden storage space with plenty of new space to spare. Now when they step into their kitchen they are in awe and disbelief that they finally have the kitchen of their dreams.

Inspiration for a large modern master porcelain tile, gray floor, double-sink and vaulted ceiling freestanding bathtub remodel in Philadelphia with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

This project is a good example of what can be done with a little refresh. Sometimes parts of your space work well and parts don’t, so a full gut and replace might not make sense. That was the case here. After living with it for a decade or so realized they would really prefer two sinks in the vanity. Since there were two windows in the bathroom, we decided to eliminate the window to the left of the current vanity and replace with it with a longer run of cabinets. The other window is to the right of the vanity let’s in beautiful morning light. The window we removed was a northern exposure and its location under an eave didn’t allow for much light, so it was the perfect solution! In addition to the new vanity, we also changed out the countertop, added new mirrors and lighting, and changed out the tile floor to a larger hex with fewer grout lines. This adds a brighter more modern look while still maintaining the vintage feel of the room. The shower was in great shape, so we left that as is except for swapping out the shower floor tile to match the main floor and adding a more updated decorative mosaic tile. We added a new toilet and for a bit of luxury a heated towel bar. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com Project Year: 2020

The backyard features a large stone paved entertaining patio with a family fire pit, a formal pool and spa with lounge areas leading to double pool houses. A wood lattice cover spans between the two structures and featuring an outdoor fireplace, outdoor flat screen television full theater with surround sound. The backyard has two barbecue's. One adjacent to the residence for daily use and a full entertaining barbecue area with a bar, sink, ice maker, refrigerator, outdoor dishwasher (so you don't need to carry all of your dishes so far from the house each time you entertain...all you have to do is push 'wash') and of course a large 'Q' with side burner. On the side yard there is a beautiful formal rose garden with 40 different types of roses for the owner to enjoy with a central fountain and walkways. All of the Ashlar pattern cut stone was cut on site to my pattern, as was the entertaining barbecue back-splash. The Oceanside glass tile was selected to continue the Ashlar pattern concept. All of the pottery came from my friends at Eye of the Day. Gas heaters warm the patios from the covers, as well as, strategically placed gas quick connects around the yard for those chilly evenings. Music fills the yard and patios from discretely placed outdoor speakers. All of my projects are design with full supervision from start to finish. I help select materials, finishes, pottery, tile, plant material, etc... to assure the design is being realized. Photo: Wendy Harper & Ken Palmer

This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

Many families ponder the idea of adding extra living space for a few years before they are actually ready to remodel. Then, all-of-the sudden, something will happen that makes them realize that they can’t wait any longer. In the case of this remodeling story, it was the snowstorm of 2016 that spurred the homeowners into action. As the family was stuck in the house with nowhere to go, they longed for more space. The parents longed for a getaway spot for themselves that could also double as a hangout area for the kids and their friends. As they considered their options, there was one clear choice…to renovate the detached garage. The detached garage previously functioned as a workshop and storage room and offered plenty of square footage to create a family room, kitchenette, and full bath. It’s location right beside the outdoor kitchen made it an ideal spot for entertaining and provided an easily accessible bathroom during the summertime. Even the canine family members get to enjoy it as they have their own personal entrance, through a bathroom doggie door. Our design team listened carefully to our client’s wishes to create a space that had a modern rustic feel and found selections that fit their aesthetic perfectly. To set the tone, Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout. The kitchenette area features Maple Shaker style cabinets in a pecan shell stain, Uba Tuba granite countertops, and an eye-catching amber glass and antique bronze pulley sconce. Rather than use just an ordinary door for the bathroom entry, a gorgeous Knotty Alder barn door creates a stunning focal point of the room. The fantastic selections continue in the full bath. A reclaimed wood double vanity with a gray washed pine finish anchors the room. White, semi-recessed sinks with chrome faucets add some contemporary accents, while the glass and oil-rubbed bronze mini pendant lights are a balance between both rustic and modern. The design called for taking the shower tile to the ceiling and it really paid off. A sliced pebble tile floor in the shower is curbed with Uba Tuba granite, creating a clean line and another accent detail. The new multi-functional space looks like a natural extension of their home, with its matching exterior lights, new windows, doors, and sliders. And with winter approaching and snow on the way, this family is ready to hunker down and ride out the storm in comfort and warmth. When summer arrives, they have a designated bathroom for outdoor entertaining and a wonderful area for guests to hang out. It was a pleasure to create this beautiful remodel for our clients and we hope that they continue to enjoy it for many years to come.

JUMA architects were contacted for the interior design of a shell-state apartment on the coast. The structural construction, the plastering, the floor screed and the technical fittings (heating ducts, plumbing, electricity and ventilation) of the apartment had already been realised. It soon became apparent, however, that the assignment could not be limited to the interior decoration only, as the placement of kitchen, bathroom and dressing room in the existing plan turned out to be entirely impractical. More extensive renovation work was needed to meet the needs of the customer. The structure of the unit was therefore slightly adjusted to make the bathroom and dressing larger and more functional. Also, the living room was dominated by a huge radiator that drew all the attention. To solve this problem, new pipes were laid to accommodate an integrated heating element in the sideboard. Gas pipes were fitted in the kitchen for the gas cooker which JUMA included in the design as a real eye-catcher. The sinks, in contrast, were given a more discreet placement. Light oak parquet was selected for the floors throughout the apartment. The natural appearance of the wood gives all the rooms a warm feel. The built-in furniture was custom made and is finished in black satin lacquer to contrast the light-coloured wood. The dominant colour palette is deliberately kept very simple and neutral and is complemented with light grey tones and colour accents. The colour choice was in fact inspired by a beautiful picture of the coast. The freestanding furniture and overall decorations were also selected or designed by JUMA architects. The arrangement of the seating area is very playful and atypical. JUMA did not want to put in a couch that would divide the space in two. The composition is meant to create a very open ambiance. A round table was chosen for the same reason. The round shape does not divide the space but allows fluid circulation. Pictures © Liesbet Goetschalckx